Project D&S
Deadline: 2016-08-30
The story behind
"I have not been handicapped by my condition. I am physically challenged and differently able" - Janet Barnes, longest-lived quadriplegic
Through blurred vision, I saw the asphalt reflect the scorching heat of summer’s sunshine. My ears ringing. My heart racing. My mind went into overdrive. What had just happened
Where did I go wrong
Why couldn’t I raise my arm
The ringing in my ears slowly dissipated and I heard my brother run to me with an alarming voice.
“Are you okay!”
Was I okay
This didn’t feel like the other times. Something was different.
They say that the best things in life are free. That it is the simple things in life that matters most. For the next few months after the accident, I reflected upon my life temporarily disabled and dependent on others. While I only suffered a broken clavicle, the incident made me think deeply about those who continue to inspire me - those living with ‘permanent’ disabilities.
I have seen and met many who disregard their physical shortcomings. The blind cardiac rehab patient diligently setting up her stationary bicycle. The patient with fibromyalgia bringing joy to others. The patient with ataxia constantly smiling and laughing. And, the paraplegic effortlessly performing pull ups at the gym. While they all have different physical shortcomings, one thing remained constant - their unwillingness to quit.
To deny others the ability to look down upon them. To face adversity with bravery. To know that they can still pursue what they might have been. To smile at life’s challenges.
These are my heroes.
Wings for Life is a global non-profit organization aimed to find a cure for spinal cord injury - a debilitating and life-altering injury that can happen to anyone. I am continuously inspired by individuals with spinal cord injury as I watch them perform both ambitious and simple feats, such as competing in Ironman triathlons to shining a bright smile to those they meet.
These individuals are my heroes, but even Batman needs Robin, Bonnie needs Clyde, and Sherlock Holmes needs Dr. Watson. Without their trusty sidekicks, these heroes would not be who they are today. Can we be trusty sidekicks to those who suffer from spinal cord injury
Can we help these heroes overcome spinal cord injury by finding a cure
I think we can and we must.
Life is uncertain. No one can predict whether we will be able to get up freely from our bed or to walk to our favorite restaurant next year or even tomorrow. By donating to the Wings for Life Foundation, you will not only help those dealing with spinal cord injury now, but you will be helping our future generations to have one less battle to fight. By supporting medical research, we can be that much closer to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
My heroes inspire me because they are disabled yet strong, diligent, smart, determined, and sanguine.
Imagine what we could do if we eliminated ‘disabled’.
“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths: feels your fears but fortifies your faith: sees your anxieties but frees your spirit: recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” - William Arthur Ward
26 donation(s) for “Project D&S”
Anonymous Donor, 2015-05-13 | 50 USD | Glad to support this project! You guys can do it! Glad to support this project! You guys can do it! |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-05-19 | 25 USD | From Ellen S.: Keep up the great work! From Ellen S.: Keep up the great work! |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-05-19 | 100 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-05-27 | 20 USD | I don't donate often, and when I do I donate to aw… more I don't donate often, and when I do I donate to awesome people for an awesome cause. donate today! |
Linda Lintao, 2015-06-30 | 160 USD | |
Mubashira Malik, 2015-06-30 | 160 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-07-04 | 40 USD | From Carl C. From Carl C. |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-07-11 | 70 USD | From Chad From Chad |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-08-07 | 100 USD | Donation on behalf of Brandon Too Donation on behalf of Brandon Too |
Victoria Bradley, 2015-08-12 | 20 USD | |
julie boisvert, 2015-09-14 | 150 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-10-26 | 50 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-10-26 | 200 USD | Thank you Brandon for your constant support and fo… more Thank you Brandon for your constant support and for just being you! :) |
Anonymous Donor, 2015-12-16 | 100 USD | |
Andrew Robertson, 2015-12-23 | 50 USD | Brandon,Thanks so much for all the advice and enco… more Brandon,Thanks so much for all the advice and encouragement you have provided to help me with my fitness goals! Its great to have such positive and motivated coworkers :)Happy to donate to such an excellent cause. Good luck with your goal! I am sure you guys can do it!!! -Andrew R |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-01-16 | 150 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-01-18 | 120 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-01-20 | 150 USD | From April. From April. |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-01-29 | 40 USD | Denoted on behalf of Anna Hsu. Denoted on behalf of Anna Hsu. |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-02-04 | 100 USD | from SM from SM |
julie boisvert, 2016-02-08 | 150 USD | |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-04-11 | 200 USD | |
Andrew Robertson, 2016-04-22 | 50 USD | Thanks for all your support and advice in 2016 for… more Thanks for all your support and advice in 2016 for living a healthy lifestyle, Brandon! Best of luck on the race! |
Vincent Kam, 2016-05-06 | 30 USD | I can't make it, but have fun. -VK I can't make it, but have fun. -VK |
April A Given, 2016-05-10 | 100 USD | Dear Brandon,Congratulations on the 20 mile run (M… more Dear Brandon,Congratulations on the 20 mile run (May 2016); best of luck exceeding that distance in next year's event |
Anonymous Donor, 2016-07-30 | 100 USD | From AG - Go Brandon! From AG - Go Brandon! |